finally getting a little sexy with poetry {poetry thursday}

August 3, 2006liz lamoreux

A few weeks ago, the prompt at Poetry Thursday was sex. And I happily shared two poems written by others on that day. Because, well, ahem, my parents sometimes read my blog. And my friends who may not talk about such things also stop by. And a friend I also work with might be reading it right now (hi). So writing about sex is something...ahem...that doesn't quite come easily to me. Except that isn't really true. It is more writing about sex and then posting it for others to read (anyone out there in all the world), well, that is the part that gets me in a bit of a tizzy.

But, as soon as I read this week's completely and totally optional Monday idea, this poem began to dance in my head. And it continued to dance throughout these last few days. So tonight, as I listened to Itzhak Perlman's violin play "Tango (Por Una Cabeza) "on repeat, this poem took shape. A little blending of PT's sex and music prompts.

tango on a hot july night

the click of the record player
needle skids
as the first notes play
a sigh

her hands move to the roundness of her belly

a woman in a black dress,
pink rose tucked in her hair
eyes dark
fierceness on her face
his hand splayed across her back
they stare at one another
quick turn
long step
look away
her leg kicks
and slides across the floor
then his
long step
slow turn
bodies collide
skirt twirls
long step
quick quick quick
turn

ba boom
ba boom

her hand moves to her breast

the woman turns her face away
he pulls her in
a violence that invites no fear
quick turn
long step
long step
her foot slides
then his
slow turn
knees bend
pivot
pull closer
anticipate every move
breath
turn

ba ba boom
ba ba boom boom boom

fingertips to lips as another sigh escapes

sweat begins to form
the small of her back
his forehead
quick turn
long step
he thrusts her closer
pause
long step
quick quick quick
bodies lean in
never letting go
feet know
her foot slides
then his
quick turn
skirt twirls
slow slow
quick quick
turn
breath to breath